It’s no secret that in France lies the heart of gastronomy. It is, after all, home to some of the world’s most exceptional cheeses, breads, meats, and wines. While you could try to eat your way through the country (and we heartily encourage this endeavor), it’s easy to become overwhelmed at all the choices. To help you out, we’ve narrowed down a geographic area and come up with some of the most incredibly unforgettable places to dine within its borders. So, without further ado, we present to you the ultimate foodie’s guide to Paris.

Le ChateaubriandDespite the fact that it ranks 27th on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list (and has been a steady presence for the last 6 years), Le Chateaubriand isn’t astronomically expensive. The restaurant itself is quite unpretentious, not that you’ll notice the decor once the food starts coming. For €70, diners are treated to an incredible tasting menu featuring a steady parade of dishes (both small plates and mains) which promise to dazzle even the most jaded taste buds. Chef Inaki Aizpitarte knows his stuff, and it’s abundantly clear in the quality of his food. Just be sure to book far, far in advance.

Boucherie des ProvincesIt’s easy to walk by this unassuming butcher/restaurant but you’d be missing out if you didn’t make the effort to seek it out. Regular patrons know that this is the spot to get the freshest cuts of meat around and they’re willing to queue up to get their hands on it. Go hungry and settle in at one of the communal tables where you’ll be elbow to elbow with locals who can help you decide which wines pair best with incredible dishes like côte de boeuf, prime rib, and sautéd potatoes that are almost indescribably good. Whatever you do, don’t skip the charcuteurie and terrine!

TailleventIf you’ve come to Paris in order to experience life at its fullest, you’ll want to be sure that you make reservations at Taillevent. This French institution is home to one of the most impressive wine lists you’ll ever set eyes upon and the food offerings are nothing to scoff at either. From the moment you pass through the door, attentive waitstaff will be there to anticipate your every need and are extraordinarily knowledgeable when it comes to the menu. That being said, it’s virtually impossible to choose anything that isn’t exceptional. From black truffle pie to wild duck so exquisite you’ll think you’ve achieved taste nirvana, Taillevent is consistently at the top of its game.

Les Deux MagotsSituated in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the fabled 6é arrondissement, Les Deux Magots is more than just a spot to sip your café allongé and catch up on the news. Rather, it’s a veritable institution, having played host to some of the world’s most celebrated authors and thinkers over the course of its long, illustrious life. It’s hard not to think of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso when you pull up a chair (provided, that is, that you can find an empty spot) and peruse the menu. While Les Deux Magots isn’t serving up Michelin-starred fare, the food is still pretty fabulous and the experience alone makes it worth the stop.

L’ArpègeChef Alain Passard has been at L’Arpège for over 30 years which has given him plenty of time to hone his skills, something that is evident from the moment that you tuck into your first course at this esteemed eatery. The menu is heavy on produce, featuring perfectly crafted salads that are worthy of main dish status but in the last few years, Passard has begun to reincorporate select meats into his menu as well as a few seafood choices. Whichever direction you take, you’re promised not only an unforgettable meal but the bragging rights associated with having dined at a Michelin starred restaurants. Just don’t be surprised when you reach for the bill… with exceptional quality comes exceptionally high prices.

LockwoodAs is the case with some of the best dining establishments, Lockwood is hidden away and keeps a low profile. During the day, it takes the shape of an unassuming café but it’s at night that Lockwood really shines. From the second you slip onto a stool, you feel as if though you’re in a secret cave, surrounded by exposed stone walls and arched doorways. The menu is simple and often features dishes you’d expect to find in an American BBQ joint but they all feature a decidedly French twist. Where Lockwood really shines is in its cocktail menu, featuring creative concoctions that often drink like a meal in a glass. The convivial atmosphere makes you feel like you’re amongst friends, regardless of where you hail from, and the music selection is top notch. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Not much more you can ask for than that.